everything happening on the road to retirement

Weekend Reads and Listens – Return Edition

I’m not sure for how long you have to be a writer in order to sensibly take a break from writing. I’m pretty sure it’s longer than I’ve had this blog, but take a break I did for most of the summer. I was still writing in other places like Richardson Living Magazine and Grown and Flown, but for the most part, I did not keep much of a writing routine.

There were many reasons — my twins starting daycare, traveling, the Olympics — and these all impacted my “Weekend Reads and Listens” because I wasn’t doing too much of either. But below are a few selections that have either stood out for me this summer or I am looking forward to diving into this fall.

READS

I’ve written before how, since returning to my university from maternity leave two years ago, I re-evaluate my decision to work every semester. School starts tomorrow and I’ll be at my desk so another deliberation period has come and gone. But one thing about not working that attracts me is that roles in my household would be clear — my husband makes the money, I manage the kids and house. There would be overlap, of course, but it all seems very efficient and I like efficient. But this is also the very factor that scares the hell out of me when I think about leaving the workforce. That is why I loved this article from Ann Cinzar about the division of roles on Motherwell so much. It’s help change the way I think about this issue.

Since I am still doing this working thing, I’m looking forward to reading The Pie Life by Samantha Ettus when it comes out next month. It was recommended on one of my favorite podcasts, #AmWriting, and addresses the ever-elusive work/life balance quest. This is hardly a new topic, but from the reviews it appears to tackle it in a unique way.

Tonight is the Closing Ceremony for the 2016 Rio Olympics. It never seems to elicit the same kind of excitement as the Opening Ceremony and I probably will just have it on as background noise. But I did re-read a post on my former blog re-capping the 2012 London summer games. I could have pretty much just changed the city and posted it here as I guess the way I approach the Olympics hasn’t changed much in four years (and Usain Bolt and Allyson Felix are still amazing). The one change I would obviously make? The part where I go on and on about how inspiring (and hot) Oscar Pistorius was. That made me cringe.

Like most Hamilton fans who aren’t the POTUS or Beyonce, I haven’t actually seen the musical. But every day I memorize a little more of the soundtrack, which is why I have no new podcasts to recommend. I am too busy rapping about the American Revolutionary War in my car. It’s actually quite motivating for a writer, seeing as Alexander Hamilton was, at his core, a prolific writer. Here’s an excerpt from the Act I finale number:

How do you write like tomorrow won’t arrive?/ How do you write like you need it to survive?/ How do you write ev’ry second you’re alive? Ev’ry second you’re alive? Ev’ry second you’re alive?

Do yourself a favor and join the bandwagon already. In about five years you will be able to afford to see it in person.

I actually do have one podcast to recommend. After reading this article about trading the dreaded-yet-impossible-to-get-out-of-your-head children’s music for audio books in your car with our kids, I checked out one of the podcasts recommended. The Stories Podcast is, just as it sounds, a podcast where they read stories (many of them original) and it’s perfect for my two-year-olds. I’m not sure they are really following the plot, but they like the different voices. I’m certain this break is short-lived, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts.

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6 thoughts on “Weekend Reads and Listens – Return Edition”

I feel like I’m the only one who hasn’t listened to Hamilton or seen the musical. This is what happened to me for years when Rent debuted. Interesting article about the division of labor. Even though I work from home (and do spend the majority of the day work), I also feel like I do all the household work because I’m home. I guess it’s just being home that will do it.

I love Hamilton, but Rent is my absolute favorite. I’m actually seeing it in Dallas in a couple of weeks for its 20th anniversary tour which could not make me feel more old! I can imagine if I worked at home, I would be drawn to complete household tasks just to get them out of the way. I’m sure that’s nice at times, but burdensome at other times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Oh, I’m going to go read that article about the division of labor. I have to say, since going back to work, Well – I’m exhausted. My husband has help a great deal, but it is not even close to a 50/50 spilt. I’m still basically responsible for most of what I was before – plus the job. It sucks. (but he works and earns more than I do….)

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Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I have loved writing since childhood, but my creative juices were put on the back burner for most of my adulthood. This blog is a chance to reconnect with my inner writer while sharing my experiences as a higher education professional, mother of twins, wife, Taylor Swift enthusiast, native Texan, and wannabe Californian (but just the Wine Country). I hope you'll stay awhile.

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